I use sterling silver, German nickel silver, copper, and 14kt gold fill or solid gold. In the rare case of using another metal, it will be clearly noted in the product description.

Pure silver is a very soft metal, too soft for most jewelry making purposes. Most jewelers use Sterling silver, an alloy (mix) of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals - usually copper or zinc, in order to harden the metal. Fine silver is 99.9% pure silver and 0.01% copper or zinc. Silver and Copper are both naturally antimicrobial making these metals great for sensitive skin.

Gold-filled jewelry, also known as "rolled gold" is composed of a solid layer of gold bonded with heat and pressure to a base metal. Our jewelry is only made using gold filled metal that is 14kt or higher. Gold filled jewelry can last through normal, everyday wear for a lifetime. Gold filled wears like solid gold, and unlike gold plated jewelry, will never flake or chip.

Yes, at some point it may tarnish. All Metals, no matter how pure will oxidize over time, some faster than others. To keep your jewelry items nice and shiny and sparkling like new remember to clean them regularly using a commercial cleaning cloth or liquid cleaner.

Any custom pieces are made to order especially for you. Most orders can be shipped within 1-2 wks, if the order requires that I must mail order additional items it could delay the order accordingly. My last several custom orders have all shipped within 1 wk of the order date.

If you require rush processing or upgraded shipping, please let me know at the time you make your order as it will require an additional charge. Unfortunately, on occasion some orders can not be rushed. Please note this is only because they require a lengthy process of creating your stones by hand.

Most pieces can be cleaned with a simple commercial cleaning cloth, simply wipe the piece with the cloth to restore them to their high shine. I find this to be the easiest and most worry free way to clean your jewelry.

Hard stones are very dense and will not readily absorb liquids. Soft stones, such as opal and turquoise, are very porous stones and will readily absorb liquids, thus affecting their luster or stability. If you prefer to use liquid cleaners I recommend only using a product that is labelled "for use with Soft gemstones". If you use a liquid cleaner, allow the stone to air dry completely for a couple of days. The luster will return once dry.

I will always include individual care instructions with each piece.

All pieces of jewelry you order from me are packaged in a sturdy jewelry kraft box, making them ready for gift giving.

Custom Orders are specially packaged at no extra charge.

Customers can request gift wrapping at no additional charge.

I make my own gemstone beads by hand, every bead is made from the highest quality Grade A rough stock. On the rare occasion that I do purchase a gemstone bead I personally hand select each one for quality and beauty, and it will be noted in the item description that the beads were purchased.
The same goes for every Sea Shell that I use, I personally gather them from nature or if purchased each one is hand selected for quality and beauty.
I use only natural handcrafted Bone beads made from local artisans. Finally, I use beautiful Czech Glass and Glass Crystals in many of my pieces.

Within the US and Canada orders are shipped USPS Priority and generally arrive within 3 days from date shipped. I do consolidate shipping for multiple items - please send me a custom request listing the items that you would like and I will send you an itemized invoice.

Orders from outside USA/Canada may be subject to International Customs Laws. Packages will be shipped Standard Delivery/General Mail and are subject to the increased international shipping rates. International orders may take up to several weeks to be delivered depending on the country and their laws. Customers can arrange for priority shipments when possible, however the customer will be responsible for any additional shipping costs.